TOKYO (Parliament Politics Magazine) – In what is presumed to be a calculated escalation seeking Tokyo and Washington’s attention, North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan.
Before crashing into the Pacific Ocean, the missile travelled 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles). On another trajectory, it may have hit the US island of Guam.
Since 2017, it is the first missile launch by North Korea over JapanÂ
Some citizens were warned by Japan to seek cover. In response, the US and South Korea conducted joint bombing drills.
Four aircrafts from each side participated in the drill, firing at a dummy target on an uninhabited island in the Yellow Sea, said the South Korean joint chiefs of staff. The statement said that the drill showed the US and South Korea’s willingness to sternly respond to Pyongyang’s threat.
North Korea is prohibited from testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles by the UN. In addition to that, launching missiles with no warning or consultation towards or over other nations is against international conventions
Since it could be mistaken for an attack, the majority of nations steer clear of it altogether. Although it is not as serious as a nuclear test—which could be next— the launch can still be perceived as extremely provocative.
Reports say sirens alerts on text woke up residents in the northern part of Japan, including Aomori city and Hokkaido. The warning text read, “North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Please evacuate into buildings or underground.”
They were cautioned to watch out for falling debris as the missile flew overhead. The reports say many seemed to keep their calm. One video showed commuters in Tokyo calmly walking while the loudspeakers issued warnings.
However, others were more alarmed. Kazuko Ebina, a resident of Aomori said if a missile had hit, she was scared it would be a tremendous problem not only here but also nationwide.
Later, officials said that no injuries were reported and that the intermediate-range ballistic missile had fallen into the Pacific Ocean far from Japan.
It had travelled the farthest of any North Korean missile ever and ascended to a height of roughly 1,000 kilometres, surpassing the International Space Station.
The PM of Japan described the launch as “violent behaviour,” and its defence minister Yasukazu Hamada, said that Japan would not dismiss any measures for strengthening its defences, including “counterattack capabilities.”
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council, Adrienne Watson, called it a “dangerous and reckless decision” that was “destabilising” to the area.
The missile was launched as South Korea, US and Japan have been working together to strengthen their defences to respond to the mounting threats by the North.
First time since 2017, the three countries came together for joint naval exercises last week. Exercises of such nature have long antagonised the North Korean ruler, who saw them as proof that his enemies were getting ready for war.
In retaliation for the joint exercises in 2017, North Korea launched two missiles over Japan. It carried out a nuclear test a week later.
Recent intelligence says North Korea may be preparing to test yet another nuclear weapon.
North Korea is anticipated to hold off until after China, which serves as its principal ally, holds its Communist party congress later this month.
However, some experts are now thinking if it would happen sooner than they had expected because they believe Tuesday’s launch proves North Korea is preparing to conduct a nuclear test.
